In a surprising move just three games before the playoffs, the Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Michael Malone and general manager, prompting a significant shift within the organization. This decision comes only two years after the team secured an NBA championship, leaving players and fans alike in shock.

Star center Nikola Jokic addressed the situation in a recent interview, expressing mixed emotions about the abrupt change. “When someone gets fired, you’re worried it’s probably you’re the next,” he remarked, highlighting the unsettling nature of the decision. Despite the uncertainty, Jokic acknowledged that such actions are often intended to “wake somebody up” and change the team’s energy heading into the playoffs.

Jokic emphasized the need for a quick recovery from the shock of Malone’s departure, noting the urgency of the playoffs approaching. “In this business, you need to move on quickly,” he stated, as the Nuggets prepare for two crucial games ahead. The atmosphere within the team has reportedly shifted since Malone’s exit, with Jokic suggesting that the decision was made to alter the team’s dynamics.

While Jokic refrained from disclosing specific details from his conversation with new acting head coach David Adelman, he praised Adelman’s straightforward approach. “He’s going to keep it real and probably show you too,” Jokic said, indicating that Adelman’s coaching style may foster a more cohesive team environment.

The firing of both a head coach and a general manager simultaneously is rare in the NBA, and the organization’s reasons for such a drastic change remain closely guarded. Jokic acknowledged that he was informed of the decision prior to its public announcement, accepting it as part of the business.

As the Nuggets navigate this unexpected transition, the team hopes to harness the new momentum and channel it into a successful playoff run. “We will see what happens when the beast is woken up,” Jokic concluded, leaving fans eager to witness the team’s response in the coming days.